Since its creation more than 20 years ago, the Honda CR-V has been recognized for its often class-leading blend of comfort, versatility, reliability, and value. Compact crossovers like the CR-V have proven to be ideal for small families, daily commuters, and weekend adventurers who need a relatively efficient and affordable vehicle capable of taking them almost anywhere they’d like to go.

The term “crossover” hadn’t even made its way into vehicular vernacular when that first CR-V arrived in 1997. Back then, the CR-V was simply referred to as a small SUV, albeit one that ditched body-on-frame construction and instead employed a unibody architecture. As a result, Honda CR-V models weren’t as rugged as a traditional SUV, but they offered more efficient use of interior space and, perhaps most importantly, more car-like ride and handling characteristics.

Within Honda’s lineup, the five-passenger CR-V slots in above the smaller HR-V but below the larger two-row Passport and three-row Pilot. Output has varied over the years, but all CR-Vs have featured four-cylinder engines and a choice of front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability. With the latest redesign, a hybrid powertrain was added to the mix for the first time.

Honda recently announced the sixth-generation CR-V, which will hit the streets as a 2023 model. It gets upgrades to its technology, styling, and comfort features. Honda will sell the SUV in four trims and will offer a hybrid powertrain in the top two variants. The new CR-V will come with the same safety tech we’ve known and loved in previous model years, including lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, and LED headlights. The next-gen CR-V will also upgrade tech, especially in the base model, which previously lacked smartphone connectivity. The 2023 model will get a touchscreen infotainment system as standard equipment, along with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto functionality.

Buyers may consider other vehicles in the CR-V’s class, including the Mazda CX-5, the Nissan Rogue, the Hyundai Tucson, the Subaru Crosstrek, and the Toyota RAV4. The Honda CR-V Hybrid provides a more engaging driving experience than its gas-powered counterpart, but middling specs mean that neither can be considered a sports crossover SUV. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) offers smooth, refined operation, but it dulls the driving feeling. The turbo engine still does a good job at moving the CR-V with enthusiasm when asked.

From the driver’s seat, the CR-V feels lively but comfortable, and there’s plenty of space for front passengers. Useful features like a dual-zone automatic climate control system and a power moonroof further up the ante.

Generations: Five

Honda CR-V 1st Generation
Honda CR-V 2nd Generation
Honda CR-V 3rd Generation
Honda CR-V 4th Generation
Honda CR-V 5th Generation

Pros: Feels more expensive than it is, friendly MSRP, good standard safety kit, roomy cabin
Cons: Disappointing tow rating, the base model is too basic

Honda CR-V 5th Generation (2017-2022)

Honda's fifth iteration of the popular CR-V compact crossover debuted for the 2017 model year. Highlights included all-new sleek styling that made its predecessor look drab by comparison, increased dimensions resulting in extra rear legroom and cargo space, and chassis revisions designed to improve ride, handling, and braking performance. Buyers could select FWD or AWD capability and one of four trims: LX, EX, EX-L, or Touring. The LX continued to feature the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (now rated at 182 horsepower). In comparison, all other CR-V trims played host to a new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder providing 190 horsepower and up to an estimated 34 mpg on the highway. Other enhancements arriving with the 2017 Honda CR-V were broader availability of the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies and a simple physical volume knob to improve the usability of the touchscreen audio system.

There were no notable changes for 2018 or 2019, but a mild refresh marked the introduction of the 2020 CR-V. Styling changes were slight, though behind the skin were changes aplenty. For the 2020 CR-V LX, the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine became standard, as did all of the Honda Sensing features reserved for more expensive trim levels. Additionally, an all-new CR-V Hybrid, promising a 50-percent increase in highway fuel economy, was slated for a mid-year release.

Honda CR-V 4th Generation (2012-2016)

Honda's CR-V greeted the 2012 model year with yet another redesign. Though shorter than its predecessor, the 2012 CR-V provided more interior space for cargo and up to five passengers. Power came from the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to the five-speed automatic transmission, but horsepower was up to 185 and EPA-rated highway fuel economy hit the 30 mpg mark. Buyers could select from LX, EX, and EX-L trim levels, with a navigation system or rear entertainment system (RES) available for the latter. Also among the 2012 Honda CR-V's many changes was a reconfigured flat-folding rear seat that replaced the fold-and-tumble design in previous CR-Vs.

In typical Honda fashion, the CR-V was left mostly unchanged for a couple of years and then revised in preparation for 2015. Along with styling enhancements were a new top-of-the-line Touring trim level, LED daytime running lights, a more powerful and efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, several additional safety features, and available amenities including a power tailgate and touch-screen infotainment system. These upgrades were followed by the reintroduction of the CR-V SE model in 2016.

Honda CR-V 3rd Generation (2007-2011)

For 2007, the Honda CR-V went under the knife once again, this time rolling away with a more curvaceous exterior. While it may have appeared to be smaller, this version of the five-passenger CR-V actually provided a bit more cargo space. What had been a tradition for all CR-Vs—a side-opening tailgate with an exterior-mounted spare tire—was replaced with a more traditional top-hinged lift gate and a spare mounted under the cargo floor. The removable picnic table didn't make the cut this time around, nor did the five-speed manual gearbox. Instead, Honda selected the five-speed automatic as the exclusive transmission for the 2007 CR-V. Under the hood was a 166-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivered output to the front two or all four wheels, with fuel economy reaching an EPA-estimated 27 mpg on the highway. Trim choices for 2007 included the Honda CR-V LX, EX, and top-of-the-line EX-L.

For the most part, Honda left the CR-V unchanged until 2010, when designers once again performed a bit of nipping and tucking. In addition to visual updates, the 2010 Honda CR-V featured a retuned 2.4-liter engine that generated 180 horsepower.

Honda closed out this third-generation model with the introduction of the 2011 CR-V SE. Like past special editions, this SE offered minor upgrades to distinguish it from other trims.

Honda CR-V 2nd Generation (2002-2006)

Five years after the initial introduction of the CR-V, a new second-generation Honda CR-V arrived for the 2002 model year. Larger and sporting what was arguably a more conventional style, the five-passenger 2002 CR-V included bonus safety features like four-wheel antilock disc brakes and front side airbags, but it also carried on CR-V tradition with its vertical taillights and rear integrated picnic table. Honda scrapped the first generation's less-powerful engine to make room for a 160-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder with Honda's i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology, which the EPA suggested would deliver up to 26 mpg on the highway. Shoppers considering the 2002 CR-V had their choice of FWD or AWD (which Honda referred to as Real Time 4WD) capability, a manual or automatic transmission, and LX or EX trim levels.

This version of the CR-V underwent few significant changes over the next couple of years, but 2005 ushered in a mild refresh and the launch of a new SE trim. More importantly, the list of standard safety features grew, and a five-speed automatic transmission replaced the original four-speed.

There were no notable changes for 2006, the last year of production for the second-generation CR-V.

Honda CR-V 1st Generation (1995-2001)

Honda revealed the first-generation CR-V in late 1995 as its first SUV developed in-house. The vehicle made its North American debut at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show and hit the market as a 1997 model. At first, Honda only sold an LX trim for the compact SUV, but the automaker soon added the EX variant. The CR-V came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that made 126 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. The EX model added 15-inch wheels and anti-lock brakes. Honda offered front-wheel drive or its real-time AWD system for the first-gen model.

The global CR-V got an update in 1999, but the vehicle continued on in its previous form in the United States. Honda released a CR-V Special Edition for North America in 2000, which brought navigation, leather upholstery, and other upscale features.